As cooler fall weather settles in, many American families are tackling exterior projects before winter. The 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study, which surveyed nearly 1,200 homeowners who have completed, are working on, or plan an exterior renovation, reveals a clear shift toward warmer, more architectural looks.
Warmer Paints Take the Lead
Beige has become the top exterior wall color, climbing from 10% in 2024 to 24% this year. White and gray have slipped to 14% and 12% respectively, while green, black and brown each hold modest shares. The data suggests homeowners are embracing earth‑tone palettes that promise lasting curb appeal.
Black Trim Dominates
In contrast to wall colors, trim is getting bolder. Black trim now tops the list at 39%, up 17 points since 2024, pushing white trim down to 19%. Nearly seven in ten homeowners (69%) are pairing contrasting wall and trim colors, a strategy that highlights window frames, porch columns and other architectural details.
Material Choices Reflect Personal Style
Stucco remains the most common wall material (28%). Natural wood, fiber cement and vinyl siding each account for 21% of projects. Among wood siding fans, vertical siding leads (45%) followed by traditional lap siding (18%) and shakes or shingles (16%). Stone veneer, concrete, engineered wood, natural stone, aluminum and composite materials each appear in roughly 10% of homes, underscoring the variety of options available.
Architectural Details Gain Popularity
While trim continues to be a staple (applied to 69% of homes), decorative beams have surged, jumping 24 points since 2024 to feature in 43% of exterior projects. Columns or pillars (42%), awnings (30%) and shutters (19%) also see increased use as homeowners seek character and depth for their facades.
Front Doors Remain a Focal Point
Exterior door work is heavily concentrated at the front of the house, with 78% of door projects occurring there—a rise of eight points since 2024. Fiberglass leads as the preferred front‑door material (27%), followed by wood (20%) and aluminum‑clad doors with wood interiors (19%). These choices balance durability with style for a welcoming first impression.
Landscaping Complements the Look
Nearly three‑quarters of homeowners (74%) are upgrading plants, shrubs or trees, while 62% add beds or borders and 45% install new paths, stairs or steps. Flowering varieties dominate plant selections (82%), with low‑maintenance (73%), pollinator‑friendly (56%), native (55%) and drought‑resistant (49%) options also popular.
Roofing and Gutter Projects Rise
Roofing work now appears in more than half of exterior renovations (51%). Homeowners are opting for full roof replacements (73% of roof projects, up nine points) rather than patching. Asphalt three‑tab shingles have surged to 32% of roofing material choices, while luxury asphalt shingles and metal roofing each hold a 14% share. Clay tiles, cedar shakes, synthetic rubber and concrete tiles round out the market.
Professional Help at a Record High
Professional contractors are being hired more than ever, with 71% of homeowners enlisting expert help—up from 65% in the 2024 study. This reflects confidence in skilled labor to deliver lasting, high‑quality exterior upgrades.
Overall, the 2026 trends indicate that thoughtful updates—warmer paint, bold black trim, decorative beams, and robust roofing—are not only enhancing curb appeal but also protecting homes for years to come.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
